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| PROVENCE!
Just saying the word conjures endless fields of sunflowers,
the scent of lavender wafting though a breeze, beautiful clear
skies, charming medieval villages, regional food, the azure
of the Mediterranean and wonderful people. It is easy to understand
why so many famous artists, including Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh,
Picasso, found inspiration from this area of France.
Provence
is the most Southeastern section of France. It is comprised
of five major departments or areas. These are Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhone,
Alpes-des-Haute-Provence, Var and Alpes-Maritimes. Depending
on which guide book you read, the Cote d'Azur or French Riviera
(Var and Alpes-Maritimes) may or may not be included as part
of Provence. |
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If
you are looking for a vacation that offers a variety of activities,
but at the same time includes a relaxing experience, Provence
is the place. For an area that is fairly compact, there are
many choices. For the outdoorsman, you can head to the beach
one day and hike to the top of Mont Ventoux the next. There
are also many golf courses in the area. For the truly adventurous,
try cycling through the area. Check online for companies that
offer guided cycling tours. In addition, you can enjoy rock
climbing and canoeing.
If sports are not your “thing”,
the area is also full of historical sites. Many towns/villages
include Roman ruins, old churches, cobblestone streets, and
beautiful fountains. Visit a chateau, there are several across
the region. The chateau in Tarascon, though basically empty,
has been well preserved. Each village is more charming than
the next. The larger towns, such as Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence
and Orange, all have sites of historical significance.
Culture
abounds as well. For the art lover, follow Van Gogh’s
path in Arles, where you can see several sites he painted.
Visit the mausoleum in St. Remy where he stayed. In Aix-en-Provence,
tour Cezanne’s home and catch a glimpse of Mont Ste-Victoire.
Stop at the Picasso museum in Antibes, Renoir’s home
in Cagnes-sur-Mer, and the Chagall Museum in Nice. Just outside
St. Paul de Vence is the Foundation Maeght, a wonderful, small
modern art museum. Or select one or more of the museums unique
to the area, such as the Musee de la Lavande on the D2 toward
Gordes, the Musee de la Faience (ceramics) in Moustiers or
the Musee de l’Olivier, celebrating the olive tree in
Haut-d-Cagnes (old Cagnes). Visit Grasse for the perfume museums.
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Then there is the shopping! You don’t have to be a major
shopaholic to enjoy the variety of possibilities. The markets,
not to be missed, are a treat for the senses…..sight,
sound, smell. These lively events, held every day of the week
somewhere in Provence, provide a great opportunity to purchase
a beautiful tablecloth, some sweet smelling soaps, a bottle
of freshly pressed olive oil or select a painting to commemorate
your trip. If your idea of shopping is Rodeo Drive or Fifth
Avenue, head to the boutiques in St. Tropez and Cannes. St.
Remy, Lourmarin, Gordes, Eze, Mougins and Tourettes-sur-Loup
are among the smaller towns with charming boutiques and galleries.Head
to Moustiers or Vallarius for faience (ceramics) and Biot for
the areas hand-blown “bubble” glass.The antique
center of Provence is Isle sur la Sorgue, which is frequently
featured in US home decorating magazines. Antique markets are
held in several other towns including Cannes, Nice and Villeneuve-les-Avignon. |
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Provence
is a gourmand’s paradise. Visit the wineries of Chateauneuf-du-Pape
for tastings. Eat at one of the region’s celebrated
restaurants. Visit an olive grove for samples of freshly pressed
olive oil. Pick up various types of locally made goat cheese
and tapenades at the markets. Check online for cooking classes
to learn first-hand how to make a Provencal specialty.
Just
savoring the beauty, clear skies, and changing terrain of
the area provides a special vacation. There is truly something
for everyone in Provence!
Enjoy
your virtual tour of Provence through our website! Do contact
us with any questions or suggestions. Email us at:
periwinkel.lsw@gmail.com or
Join
our BLOG
Note: Entrance fees quoted on this site are
approximate based on US$ exchange rate at the time of publication. |
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